Ball Arena sits at 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver’s Central Platte Valley and is Colorado’s largest indoor venue, hosting everyone from the Nuggets and Avalanche to touring acts like Taylor Swift and Billy Strings. If you’re heading to a show, the venue runs on a few strict, non-negotiable rules: a small-bag-only policy, an online-only box office with no in-person will call, and a no re-entry policy once you’re inside.
This guide covers everything you need before you go — seating capacity by event type, parking lot options and pricing tiers, what you can and can’t bring in, and how ticket pricing typically works — plus the venue’s history from Pepsi Center to Ball Arena.
Quick Answer
Ball Arena holds up to 21,000 for concerts (19,520 for basketball, 18,007 for hockey), is located at 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver with its own RTD light rail stop, and only allows small clutches, wristlets, or fanny packs (about 4″x6″x1.5″ or smaller) — backpacks and purses are not permitted. Tickets are sold exclusively online through Ticketmaster or BallArena.com, and the physical box office is closed to walk-up sales.
Getting There & Parking
Ball Arena is directly served by the Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens light rail station on RTD’s E and W Lines, making transit an easy, traffic-free option from downtown Denver or the suburbs. Rideshare and taxi drop-off zones are also available near the arena’s main entrances.
If you’re driving, the venue operates eight Toyota-branded surface lots and garages within walking distance, priced in tiers based on proximity and event type. Budget lots (Camry, 4Runner, Elitch’s) typically run in the roughly $25–$45 range, the closer RAV4 Premier lot runs higher (roughly $60–$75), and TRD-Pro valet parking is the priciest option (roughly $85–$95) — rates shift by event, so check current pricing on the official Ball Arena parking page before you go. ADA-accessible parking with a state-issued placard is available in the Camry North, Tundra, and RAV4 lots on a first-come, first-served basis. Arriving 60–90 minutes before doors is smart for big shows and playoff games, when lots fill quickly.
Seating Chart & Capacity
Ball Arena’s bowl reconfigures depending on the event: basketball games seat 19,520, hockey and lacrosse games seat 18,007, and full-stage concerts can hold up to 21,000 when floor seating and upper-level sections are all in play. Capacity shrinks somewhat for shows with a center-stage or in-the-round setup, since more of the floor gets converted into premium seating.
For concerts, floor seats and lower-bowl sections closest to the stage sell fastest and cost the most; upper-level sections behind the stage or at extreme angles are typically the most affordable. The official interactive seating chart, which updates per event configuration, is available directly through Ball Arena’s website and Ticketmaster’s event listings.
Bag Policy & What You Can Bring
Ball Arena enforces a small-bag policy: allowed items are limited to small clutches, wristlets, or fanny packs, roughly 4″x6″x1.5″ or smaller. Backpacks, purses, and any other bags larger than that are not permitted inside and cannot be checked at the door in most cases.
Medical and diaper bags (up to 14″x14″x6″) are allowed after inspection but must enter through the VIP/ADA doors for x-ray screening and stay with you at your seat. If you show up with an oversized bag, on-site bag check lockers near the Grand Atrium Plaza charge a per-bag fee (non-refundable) and open 30 minutes before doors — but note that once you’re inside, Ball Arena has a strict no re-entry policy, so bags in check-in cannot be retrieved mid-event. Prohibited items also include professional cameras with detachable lenses, video recorders, tripods, monopods, and selfie sticks; point-and-shoot personal cameras are fine.
Tickets, Prices & Box Office Hours
The Ball Arena box office does not sell tickets in person and stays closed to walk-up traffic, even on event days — all sales happen online through Ticketmaster or BallArena.com, and every ticket is delivered as a mobile/digital pass. Will call has been discontinued entirely.
Pricing follows standard tiered-venue economics: general admission and far upper-level seats are the cheapest, while floor and lower-bowl seats near the stage or court command a premium, and prices climb further for high-demand tours or playoff runs. Because prices move dynamically with demand, check the specific event listing on Ball Arena’s event calendar or Ticketmaster for current pricing rather than relying on a fixed number.
A Venue Built for World-Class Live Music
Ball Arena was engineered from the ground up to deliver premium concert experiences alongside professional sports. Its flexible stage configurations let the floor plan shift between hockey, basketball, and full concert setups, and a JBL Vertec line array sound system ensures even coverage throughout all five levels, while a massive 4K projection system can transform the arena floor into a cinematic canvas for elaborate productions.
The booking history reads like a who’s-who of contemporary touring acts — Paul McCartney, Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift have all played here — and the arena regularly hosts multi-night sellout runs, including record-setting stands like Billy Strings’ three consecutive sold-out shows in January 2025.
From Pepsi Center to Ball Arena: A Lasting Legacy
For more than two decades, Denverites knew this arena as Pepsi Center — a name synonymous with Stanley Cup runs, NBA playoff nights, and sellout concerts since its October 1, 1999 debut, when Celine Dion played the inaugural show. When Ball Corporation, a Colorado-based packaging company headquartered nearby in Broomfield, secured naming rights in October 2020, the rebrand carried local pride without erasing the venue’s storied past.
Designed by HOK Sport (now Populous) and built for roughly $187 million in private funds by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, the 675,000-square-foot facility remains privately owned, which has allowed continuous investment in technology and fan amenities, keeping it competitive with newer arenas across the country.
Ball Arena Denver visitor guide FAQs
What is Ball Arena’s bag policy?
Only small clutches, wristlets, or fanny packs (about 4″x6″x1.5″ or smaller) are allowed inside. Backpacks and standard purses are not permitted; medical and diaper bags are allowed after inspection at the VIP/ADA entrance.
How much is parking at Ball Arena?
Ball Arena runs eight Toyota-branded lots with tiered pricing — budget lots typically run in the $25–$45 range, the closer RAV4 Premier lot is higher, and TRD-Pro valet parking is the most expensive option. Rates vary by event, so check the official parking page for current pricing before you go.
Does Ball Arena have a box office?
The physical box office is closed to walk-up sales, even on event days. All tickets are sold online through Ticketmaster or BallArena.com and delivered digitally; in-person will call is no longer offered.
When did Ball Arena open, and what was the first concert held there?
Ball Arena opened on October 1, 1999, under the name Pepsi Center. The first event was a sold-out concert by Celine Dion, who dedicated the show to the Columbine community.
How many people does Ball Arena hold for concerts?
Ball Arena seats up to 21,000 fans for concerts, depending on stage configuration. Capacity is approximately 19,520 for basketball and 18,007 for hockey.
How do I get to Ball Arena in Denver?
Ball Arena is located at 1000 Chopper Circle in Denver’s Central Platte Valley. It’s directly served by the Ball Arena–Elitch Gardens light rail station on RTD’s E and W Lines, with multiple parking garages and lots nearby.
Can I leave and re-enter Ball Arena during an event?
No. Ball Arena enforces a strict no re-entry policy — once you exit for any reason, you cannot be readmitted to that event.
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